MVP enters his first title opportunity at Bellator 281.
Michael ‘Venom’ Page takes on Logan Storley in London, England. The top welterweights will collide for the interim Bellator Welterweight Championship. This fight occurs in the absence of undisputed king Yaroslav Amosov, as he defends his home country of Ukraine.
Round 1:
MVP puts on some blazing pressure on Logan Storley. He hits Storley with a 1-2, but Storley uses that for a takedown attempt. Storley eventually gets Page down to the mat. Page gets back to his feet only for Storley to drive for another takedown. He is unable to pin MVP completely down.
Storley and MVP exchange strikes from a standstill position on the ground. Storley tries to drag MVP back to the mat at the end of the round, but is unsuccessful.
Round 2:
The fight remains on the feet for the first two minutes of the sequel round. MVP manages a safe distance when striking with Storley. Page lands a good punch on Storley. MVP gets taken down once again, after initiating a combo on Storley. Page works his way up Storley drags him back to the mat.
Storley looks to land some ground and pound, but isn’t able to get much of anything from top position. Round ends.
Round 3:
MVP goes for a flying knee to start out the round. MVP closes in and Storley attempts yet another takedown. In a recurring theme, Page works his way back up to his feet. Yet, Page is still being controlled in the clinch. Round ends with Storley trying for the takedown.
Round 4:
MVP throws a lot of feints to begin the round. Page cracks Storley with a punch over the top. MVP lands a knee to the head. MVP is dribbling an invisible basketball in his latest taunt. Page continues to crack Storley with strikes. 1-2 after 1-2, MVP outlands Storley in this round.
Storley turns the tide with a takedown late in the round.
Round 5:
Storley gets a takedown straight out of the gate. MVP tries to get back to his feet, but Storley ties him up against the cage. He gets another takedown, where he finally gets MVP’s back to the mat. Storley dominates in the remainder of the fight from top position.
Official result: Logan Storley defeats Michael Page via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46)
Check out the highlights below: